Green Initiatives

HACEP engages in a number of green initiatives that are designed to add triple bottom line value to our residents, our environment, and our business operations.

Refrigerator Recycling Program

Old refrigerators and freezers waste more energy than many people realize, yet they’re a common feature in many garages where they are kept for extra cold storage. But chilling a few beverages or leftovers comes with a price. Refrigerators and freezers built more than 25 years ago can consume 1,500 kwh a year, compared to just 400 to 500 kwh a year for new models built with superior, energy saving technology. The difference adds up in dollars that households could save — up to $150 a year.

HACEP recycles its old refrigerators through a program operated by the El Paso Electric Company’s appliance recycling program. HACEP receives $30 for each refrigerator, which is then transported to an appliance recycling facility. Hazardous materials from the old energy-guzzlers are removed and 95 percent of the materials in the appliances are reused in manufacturing new products. Even the foam insulation is safely incinerated to generate electricity.

Through the retirement of the HACEP appliances, approximately 60,000 kilowatt hours of electricity – enough to light 47 Texas and New Mexico homes for a month – will be saved annually.